Sump drainage versus static drainage after cholecystectomy.

Sump drainage was compared with closed static drainage in a randomized trial using a restricted sequential plan. Sump drains were converted into static drains by closing the air-vent tubes and by omitting suction. Sump drains so converted evacuated more intraperitoneal fluid during the first 24 hours after cholecystectomy than did drains in which the sump was functioning. For drainage after cholecystectomy, the sump drain is inferior to the passive drain in a closed circuit.